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Canada money controversy: Bank apologizes for 'racist' dollar bill

Canada money controversy over an $100 banknote featuring an Asian woman prompted the bank's governor to apologize Tuesday. Critics accused the central bank of racism in the Canada money controversy.

Chris Wattie/Reuters/File

A cyclist rides past the Bank of Canada building in Ottawa last month. The Bank of Canada has issued an apology in the Canada money controversy surrounding a new $100 bill. The banknote initially featured an image of Asian woman,which was scrapped in favor of a white woman, prompting critics to accuse the bank of racism.

The Canada money controversy began because the initial design for the new C$100 note featured a picture of an Asian woman, but this was scrapped after focus groups expressed concern Asians should not be the only ethnic group represented.

When the bill was released into circulation last year, the Asian woman had been removed and replaced by a woman who looked to be Caucasian, prompting complaints from Chinese groups and media commentators.

In the bank's first formal apology in nearly a decade, Carney said the Bank had never intended bank notes to feature people who represented only one ethnic group.

"I apologize to those who were offended. The Bank's handling of this issue did not meet the standards Canadians justifiably expect of us," he said in a statement.

"We will be reviewing our design process in light of these events. Our bank notes belong to all Canadians."

The issue of minorities is sensitive in Canada, which has a sizeable Chinese population.